Minnesota physicians’ plea to Minnesotans: Let the experts handle the fireworks this Fourth of July

June 25, 2024

As Independence Day approaches, Minnesota physicians are once again urging their fellow Minnesotans to leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.

“Take the safe route this Fourth of July and leave the fireworks up to the experts,” said MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “As a doctor and a mother of young children, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to stay away from firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and all those dangerous items. They are not toys and should not be treated as such. Even sparklers burn at more than 1,000-degree Fahrenheit and are responsible for many burns, especially in young children.”

According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2022. Eleven people died because of these injuries.  

Adults aged 25 to 44 experienced 36% of injuries, while children under the age of 15 accounted for 28%. At least 20% of injured children were bystanders.

The most frequently injured body sites were the face, hands, and eyes. Burns were the most common type of injury, accounting for more than half of all injuries. 20% of serious injuries were to the eyes; one third of which resulted in permanent blindness.  

“We all want to celebrate our country’s independence,” Ries said. “Fireworks are awesome, but they are also dangerous. Fireworks can result in severe burns, blindness, scars, and even death. Please leave them to the professionals who can take all the necessary safety precautions.”

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About the Minnesota Medical Association
The Minnesota Medical Association is a non-profit professional association representing physicians, residents and medical students. With more than 10,000 members, the MMA is dedicated to being the leading voice of medicine to make Minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.